Black Mold
| Black Mold | |
|---|---|
| Base Information | |
| Classification | Autotroph, Opportunistic Heterotroph |
| Terrain | Primarily Subterranean |
| Locomotion | Sessile, can float airborne if disturbed |
| Size | Small, microscopic |
| Speed | 0.0 kph (Sessile) |
| Strength | n/a |
| Social Structure | Large growth masses |
| Weapons | Infection on contact |
| Armor | Ablat |
| Source | |
| Homeworld | Unknown |
| Multi-world | Yes |
| Canon | No |
| Extinct | Extant |
| Reference | Author: Ronald B. Kline, Jr. |
A species of subterranean organism which is difficult to clearly classify. It has several interesting features and can present a danger to space explorers.
Physiology & Ecology[edit]
This organism acts primarily as a reducer, decomposing organic matter saprotrophically via chemo-heterotrophic extra-cellular digestion. Individuals units are similar to bacteria with more advanced and sophisticated elements that mirror fungus, molds and some protists. However, it is actually not a member of any of those classifications. There are no true cells nor cytoplasm. The protein coating is similar to some viruses. The interior spaces are filled with inert noble gases. When not anchored to a substrate or nutrient source they float freely. These particles are so small they can defeat many of the cruder air filtration units, filter masks, and eventually seals on vac suits. They grow communally and can form large masses and structures. Organisms passing through these powdery, dusty pools inadvertently pick up particles of the organism who begin their corrosively digestive work. They can parasitize organic cells and use them to reproduce. They digest a portion for energy and them convert the biomass into more of themselves. Organisms with working nervous systems undergoing this conversion process are driven mad by the pain. They stagger about, moaning, moving slowly, not thinking clearly and are compelled by the infection to aggressively seek others to infect (I think you get the picture). It was discovered that conventional anti-biotic, and anti-viral medicines are an excellent nutrient source for these particles and in turn promote further growth. They are coated in a benzene carbon ring structure and an oxidized amino acid complex of linked compounds, which functions as a very efficient high energy photon absorption pigment. Although not obligate photosynthesizers, they have a very unusual characteristic when exposed to high energy photons above ultra violet wavelengths and extending to the ability to absorb photons at up to gamma ray intensity. They are frequently found near natural radioactive sources and are attracted to nuclear power sources that leak gamma rays. This process is thought to be similar to anabolic pathways for the synthesis of reduced organic carbon. They are thought to have evolved on a planet with a thin atmosphere with a weak magnetosphere and high level of cosmic radiation from a close by powerful star. They live underground for partial shielding and to be near uranium deposits, for example, for warmth and energy to catalyze metabolic pathways for synthesizing organic molecules. They use heat and radiation beyond visible light for the reduction of ferricyanide by NADH.
Life Cycle & Reproduction[edit]
Additional particles are produced as a byproduct of feeding behavior on organic matter. They convert biomass into more units, once their metabolic energy requirements have been satisfied. Without addition organic matter to convert the colony can not grow on their own. They can survive vacuum and can remain dormant indefinitely. They don't die in the conventional cell death sense. They just wait for more victims to reduce to nutrient building blocks and parasitize.
Diet & Trophics[edit]
Although their original home world is unknown, a species of Plague Cave Flyer is typically found in the same habitats as the Black Mold (sic). Early victims discovered and observed that these flying hunters are one of the only species known to tolerate the mold for short periods of time. They have natural hibernation ability and once infected they shut down all circulatory functions and can tolerate being frozen solid within the icy cold caves they frequently inhabit. This seems to force the disease particles to halt operations. Once exposed the flyers move away from any heat/radiation source and sleep. When warm sophonts show up near the entrance to the cave, cargo hold, etc, swarms of these flyers thaw and "attack" the new potential hosts, spilling infected fluids along the way all over any exposed surface, skin, face plate, what have you.
History & Background (Dossier)[edit]
Freezing victims and using low berth technology slows the spread and speed of flesh conversion. The black plague "zombies" with respiratory organs exhale clouds of the disease particles which hastens their infection rate. They absorb laser and high energy weapons fire easily. Early contact during the Long Night on an isolated mining colony resulted in harsh quarantine protocols which remain in place to this day on certain worlds where there were historical outbreaks. A selfish mega-corporation who owned the mining camp thought that this species had several potential uses. First a gel layer of these organisms sandwiched between hull metal plates makes a great, cheap, organic EMP sponge to absorb stray ionizing radiation from the area of the engine room on company ships. Secondly, the appearance of colonies of these organisms in tunnels underground on several worlds can help prospectors find valuable fissionable materials. Thirdly, they believed the organism's ability to break down organics could be used for clean up and toxic waste management. Some have likened their abilities to a naturally occurring nano-technology. Alas, it is only with great difficulty and potential risk that any form of carbon based organic life would want to try and domesticate these dangerous pathogenic particles and their flesh consuming and altering tendencies.
Travellers' Aid Society Advisory[edit]
The Travellers' Aid Society (TAS) classifies encounters with Black Mold as life threatening to most sophonts and makes a special advisory regarding this organism.
References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis), Captain, and Lead Naval Architect Ronald B. Kline, Jr. of the Imperial Navy